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Gimunová M, Paludo AC, Bernaciková M, Bienertova-Vasku J. The effect of space travel on human reproductive health: a systematic review. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:10. [PMID: 38238348 PMCID: PMC10796912 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
With increasing possibilities of multi-year missions in deep space, colonizing other planets, and space tourism, it is important to investigate the effects of space travel on human reproduction. This study aimed to systematically review and summarize the results of available literature on space travel, microgravity, and space radiation, or Earth-based spaceflight analogues impact on female and male reproductive functions in humans. This systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Space Biomedicine Systematic Review methods. The search was performed using three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline Complete. During the database search, 364 studies were identified. After the study selection process, 16 studies were included in the review. Five studies included female participants, and the findings show an increased risk of thromboembolism in combined oral contraceptive users, decreased decidualization, functional insufficiency of corpus luteum, and decreased progesterone and LH levels related to space travel or its simulation. Male participants were included in 13 studies. In males, reproductive health considerations focused on the decrease in testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels, the ratio of male offspring, sperm motility, sperm vitality, and the increase in sperm DNA fragmentation related to space travel or its simulation. Results of this systematic review highlight the need to focus more on the astronaut's reproductive health in future research, as only 16 studies were found during the literature search, and many more research questions related to reproductive health in astronauts still need to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gimunová
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ana Carolina Paludo
- Department of Sport Performance and Exercise Testing, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Bernaciková
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Julie Bienertova-Vasku
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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2
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Caddy HT, Kelsey LJ, Parker LP, Green DJ, Doyle BJ. Modelling large scale artery haemodynamics from the heart to the eye in response to simulated microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:7. [PMID: 38218868 PMCID: PMC10787773 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00348-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated variations in haemodynamics in response to simulated microgravity across a semi-subject-specific three-dimensional (3D) continuous arterial network connecting the heart to the eye using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Using this model we simulated pulsatile blood flow in an upright Earth gravity case and a simulated microgravity case. Under simulated microgravity, regional time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) increased and oscillatory shear index (OSI) decreased in upper body arteries, whilst the opposite was observed in the lower body. Between cases, uniform changes in TAWSS and OSI were found in the retina across diameters. This work demonstrates that 3D CFD simulations can be performed across continuously connected networks of small and large arteries. Simulated results exhibited similarities to low dimensional spaceflight simulations and measured data-specifically that blood flow and shear stress decrease towards the lower limbs and increase towards the cerebrovasculature and eyes in response to simulated microgravity, relative to an upright position in Earth gravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Caddy
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lachlan J Kelsey
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Louis P Parker
- FLOW, Department of Engineering Mechanics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Green
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Barry J Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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3
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Levasseur S, Purvis N, Trozzo S, Chung SH, Ades M, Drudi LM. Venous Thromboembolism in Exploration Class Human Spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2024; 95:45-53. [PMID: 38158572 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6290.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: A recent finding of a deep venous thrombosis during spaceflight has prompted the need to clarify mechanisms and risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In turn, mitigation countermeasures, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options must be explored. The objective of this review was to synthesize current evidence on VTE in spaceflight.METHODS: A literature review was performed from inception to April 2023 pertaining to VTE in the context of spaceflight or ground-based analogs with human participants. PubMed was searched for papers written in English using the terms "spaceflight" or "weightlessness" and "thrombotic" or "embolism" or "thromboembolism" in "venous" or "veins". Papers using cellular or animal models were excluded.RESULTS: There were 63 papers captured; 7 original scientific studies, 3 narrative reviews, 2 systematic reviews, and 3 commentaries discussed VTE in spaceflight. Reference lists were screened. Important themes included: altered venous hemodynamics, increased fibrinogen and coagulation markers, hypoalbuminemia, and immune dysfunction. Additional risk factors may be seen in women, such as the use of oral contraceptives.DISCUSSION: Venous stasis and decreased shear stress secondary to fluid shifts may induce inflammatory changes in the venous system, resulting in endothelial damage and upregulation of the coagulation cascade. Additionally, women in space are subject to physiological factors increasing their VTE risk, such as the use of oral contraceptives, inducing increased blood viscosity and hypoalbuminemia. Efforts should also be placed in optimizing sensitivity and specificity of imaging markers, payload, and training ability, notably the use of vector flow imaging, and improving point-of-testing biomarkers, such as albumin and p-selectin.Levasseur S, Purvis N, Trozzo S, Chung SH, Ades M, Drudi LM. Venous thromboembolism in exploration class human spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(1):45-53.
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Elahi MM, Witt AN, Pryzdial ELG, McBeth PB. Thrombotic triad in microgravity. Thromb Res 2024; 233:82-87. [PMID: 38029549 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Thrombotic disease may be an underdiagnosed condition of prolonged exposure to microgravity and yet the underlying factors remain poorly defined. Recently, an internal jugular vein thrombosis was diagnosed in a low-risk female astronaut after an approximately 7-week space mission. Six of the additional 10 crew members demonstrated jugular venous flow risk factors, such as suspicious stagnation or retroversion. Fortunately, all were asymptomatic. Observations in space as well as clinical and in vitro microgravity studies on Earth, where experiments are designed to recapitulate the conditions of space, suggest effects on blood flow stasis, coagulation, and vascular function. In this article, the related literature on thrombotic disease in space is reviewed, with consideration of these elements of Virchow's triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Elahi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Alexandra N Witt
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada; Canadian Blood Services, Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canada
| | - Edward L G Pryzdial
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada; Canadian Blood Services, Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canada
| | - Paul B McBeth
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
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Jain V, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Benotmane MA, Verratti V, Mitchell RT, Stukenborg JB. Human development and reproduction in space-a European perspective. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:24. [PMID: 36973260 PMCID: PMC10042989 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarises key aspects of the first reproductive and developmental systems Science Community White Paper, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). Current knowledge regarding human development and reproduction in space is mapped to the roadmap. It acknowledges that sex and gender have implications on all physiological systems, however, gender identity falls outside the scope of the document included in the white paper collection supported by ESA. The ESA SciSpacE white papers on human developmental and reproductive functions in space aim to reflect on the implications of space travel on the male and female reproductive systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) reproductive hormone axis, and considerations for conception, gestation and birth. Finally, parallels are drawn as to how this may impact society as a whole on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Jain
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden.
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Harris KM, Arya R, Elias A, Weber T, Green DA, Greaves DK, Petersen LG, Roberts L, Kamine TH, Mazzolai L, Bergauer A, Kim DS, Olde Engberink RH, zu Eulenberg P, Grassi B, Zuccarelli L, Baldassarre G, Tabury K, Baatout S, Jordan J, Blaber AP, Choukér A, Russomano T, Goswami N. Pathophysiology, risk, diagnosis, and management of venous thrombosis in space: where are we now? NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:17. [PMID: 36797288 PMCID: PMC9935502 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00260-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent incidental discovery of an asymptomatic venous thrombosis (VT) in the internal jugular vein of an astronaut on the International Space Station prompted a necessary, immediate response from the space medicine community. The European Space Agency formed a topical team to review the pathophysiology, risk and clinical presentation of venous thrombosis and the evaluation of its prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, and management strategies in spaceflight. In this article, we discuss the findings of the ESA VT Topical Team over its 2-year term, report the key gaps as we see them in the above areas which are hindering understanding VT in space. We provide research recommendations in a stepwise manner that build upon existing resources, and highlight the initial steps required to enable further evaluation of this newly identified pertinent medical risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M. Harris
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada
| | - Roopen Arya
- grid.429705.d0000 0004 0489 4320Kings College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Antoine Elias
- Vascular Medicine, Toulon Hospital Centre, Toulon, France
| | - Tobias Weber
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany. .,KBR, Cologne, Germany.
| | - David A. Green
- grid.461733.40000 0001 2375 6474Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany ,KBR, Cologne, Germany ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Danielle K. Greaves
- grid.46078.3d0000 0000 8644 1405Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Lonnie G. Petersen
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Lara Roberts
- grid.429705.d0000 0004 0489 4320Kings College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tovy Haber Kamine
- grid.281162.e0000 0004 0433 813XDivision of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA USA
| | - Lucia Mazzolai
- grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204Department of Angiology, Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - David S. Kim
- grid.461733.40000 0001 2375 6474Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department Emergency Medicine, University British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rik H. Olde Engberink
- grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter zu Eulenberg
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XInstitute for Neuroradiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno Grassi
- grid.5390.f0000 0001 2113 062XDepartment of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Zuccarelli
- grid.5390.f0000 0001 2113 062XDepartment of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Giovanni Baldassarre
- grid.5390.f0000 0001 2113 062XDepartment of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Kevin Tabury
- grid.8953.70000 0000 9332 3503Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- grid.8953.70000 0000 9332 3503Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jens Jordan
- grid.7551.60000 0000 8983 7915Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center and University of Cologne, Köln, Germany
| | - Andrew P. Blaber
- grid.61971.380000 0004 1936 7494Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC Canada
| | - Alexander Choukér
- grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Translational Research Stress & Immunity, Klinik für Anästhesiologie/Forschungslabors, LMU Klinikum, München, Germany
| | - Thais Russomano
- grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Translational Research Stress & Immunity, Klinik für Anästhesiologie/Forschungslabors, LMU Klinikum, München, Germany ,InnovaSpace UK, London, UK
| | - Nandu Goswami
- grid.11598.340000 0000 8988 2476Division of Physiology, Otto Löwi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria ,Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Applied Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Whittle RS, Diaz-Artiles A. Gravitational effects on carotid and jugular characteristics in graded head-up and head-down tilt. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:217-229. [PMID: 36476158 PMCID: PMC9870583 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00248.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered gravity affects hemodynamics and blood flow in the neck. At least one incidence of jugular venous thrombosis has been reported in an astronaut on the International Space Station. This investigation explores the impact of changes in the direction of the gravitational vector on the characteristics of the neck arteries and veins. Twelve subjects underwent graded tilt from 45° head-up to 45° head-down in 15° increments in both supine and prone positions. At each angle, the cross-sectional area of the left and right common carotid arteries (ACCA) and internal jugular veins (AIJV) were measured by ultrasound. Internal jugular venous pressure (IJVP) was also measured by compression sonography. Gravitational dose-response curves were generated from experimental data. ACCA did not show any gravitational dependence. Conversely, both AIJV and IJVP increased in a nonlinear fashion with head-down tilt. AIJV was significantly larger on the right side than the left side at all tilt angles. In addition, IJVP was significantly elevated in the prone position compared with the supine position, most likely because of raised intrathoracic pressure while prone. Dose-response curves were compared with existing experimental data from parabolic flight and spaceflight studies, showing good agreement on an acute timescale. The quantification of jugular hemodynamics as a function of changes in the gravitational vector presented here provides a terrestrial model to reference spaceflight-induced changes, contributes to the assessment of the pathogenesis of spaceflight venous thromboembolism events, and informs the development of countermeasures.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Flow stasis and thrombosis have been identified in the jugular vein during spaceflight. We measured the area and pressure of the internal jugular vein and the area of the common carotid artery in graded head-up and head-down tilt. Experimental data are used to generate gravitational dose-response curves for the measured variables, demonstrating that jugular vein area and pressure exhibit a nonlinear response to altered gravity. Gravitational dose-response curves show good agreement with spaceflight and parabolic flight studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Whittle
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Ana Diaz-Artiles
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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